Weapon contamination - Destruction of the environment and suffering among the population

Unexploded munitions and abandoned weapons in town and countryside kill and maim people, cause psychological damage, degrade the soil, pollute the water and destroy wildlife. Their socioeconomic and environmental consequences are disastrous. Unless we tackle weapon contamination, sustainable development will not be possible.

The ICRC at Rio+20

During the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, the ICRC is warning of the grave consequences of weapon contamination – a human, social, environmental and economic tragedy that affects both countries that have undergone recent conflict and countries where wars ended decades ago.

To respond to this tragedy, States must adopt and implement the relevant treaties on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). And it is vital to reduce risk and prevent accidents.